Chapter 688 - 251: Six Firsts
Chapter 688: Chapter 251: Six Firsts
The lowest tier, which also boasted the largest number of people, was the same degree. There was a saying at the time: "A same degree is like a concubine." A concubine was not a legal wife and was inherently inferior. Used here, it perfectly illustrated the awkward position of those holding a same degree.
Setting aside the rankings and official appointments, today’s events had proceeded smoothly, and Emperor Ruicheng was greatly pleased. First, he offered words of encouragement to all the Advanced Scholars and same degree holders. Then, he bestowed upon the top three the official court robes, golden flowers, and red silk. He personally decreed, "The Champion Scholar, the runner-up, and the third-place shall wear the golden flowers and red silk. They are to parade through the Capital City on horseback, displaying themselves to all, in order to manifest the grandeur of our Celestial Empire’s selection of talents."
The crowd prostrated in gratitude, once again cheering, "Long live the Emperor!" The protocol officials had been waiting for a long time. Seeing the group approach, they hurried forward to lead the way. With the Champion Scholar in the center, flanked by the runner-up and the third-place, the group steadily exited the palace along the imperial path.
Upon reaching the Meridian Gate, the Imperial Guard threw open the central archway. Ordinarily, only the Emperor could pass through these doors. The Empress was allowed passage only once, on her wedding day. But today, they were opened for them.
Passing through the Meridian Gate, crossing the Duan Door, and going under the Chengtian Gate, the imperial path was broad. The Golden Water Bridge reflected the sunlight, and the glazed tiles gleamed brilliantly. Heading further south, they arrived at the Chang’an Left Gate, colloquially known to the commoners as the "Dragon Gate." The imperial edict had long been hung within the dragon shed. The Capital Governor, leading the officials, waited respectfully here.
Three tall, magnificent steeds were already waiting in front of the gate, their saddles bright, adorned with red silk and colorful decorations. The attendant official stepped forward, personally pinning the golden flower, draping the red silk, straightening his black gauze hat, and adjusting his brocade robe. The Capital Governor even offered his own arm to support him as he mounted the horse.
It was also at this moment that Zhao Jing suddenly saw Xu Yanhe not far behind him. He cast a glance over, and Xu Yanhe chuckled softly, making a hand gesture for the number twelve.
Twelfth place in the second tier! Yanhe had ranked twenty-eighth in the Imperial Examination, and now he was twelfth in the second tier. This result was unexpectedly excellent. It could only be said that while others were weighed down by immense pressure, trembling in anxiety over the unknown, Xu Yanhe, the grandson of a Cabinet minister, felt very little mental strain. Consequently, he had performed exceptionally well, achieving an unprecedentedly good result.
The auspicious hour had arrived. Following three rounds of drumbeats, the gongs cleared the way. Placards reading "Silence" and "Evade" led the procession. Banners and honor guards marched in formation, while drums and music played in unison, their sound shaking the long street.
In this special examination, Zhao Jing was named the Champion Scholar. The ninth-place candidate from the Imperial Examination was designated as the runner-up, and Chang Zai was appointed as the third-place.
Although Chang Zai had injured someone before the palace examination, leading to a reprimand from the Ministry of Rites, and had sustained scars on his face that caused him to lose his dignified appearance before His Majesty, several candidates ranked third, fourth, fifth, and sixth had missed the exam. Under these circumstances, Chang Zai’s literary talent far exceeded those ranked behind him. If he weren’t given a placement, it would be difficult to convince the public. He originally possessed the talent of a runner-up, but failing to punish him would not appease the public’s outrage. Therefore, he was demoted from runner-up to third-place.
Coincidentally, the ninth-place candidate from the Imperial Examination was quite elderly, already in his forties. Naming him the third-place would inevitably invite ridicule. Although Chang Zai wasn’t considered extraordinarily handsome, he was at least clean and refined. Making him the third-place was, in a way, making the best use of what was available. However, keenly aware that he had solely relied on his passable appearance to secure the third-place position, Chang Zai felt extremely displeased, and his discontent showed slightly on his face.
Unhappy in his heart, he grew even more resentful when he saw the slight curl of Zhao Jing’s lips, looking utterly triumphant and riding the crest of success. Driven by this jealousy, words spilled out of his mouth uncontrollably.
"What kind of skill is it to rely on your maternal family’s influence? If I had such a backer, I could be the Champion Scholar too."
Zhao Jing remained calm and composed, his voice entirely devoid of fluctuation. "It’s a pity you are impulsive and easily angered. The noblemen in the Capital City would probably not dare to easily marry off their precious daughters to you. As for you, you have the ambition but lack the capability. Go back, cultivate your moral character, and learn how to speak like a decent human being before you start dreaming of the Champion Scholar’s position."
It was truly a lethal strike to the heart. That single sentence nearly pierced through Chang Zai’s very organs. Furious, Chang Zai was about to retort when the copper gongs suddenly erupted by their ears.
BONG—
The resonating sound was so piercing it felt as if it would shatter their eardrums. At the same time, the commoners lining both sides of the long street began to scream wildly. Shouts of "Champion Scholar," "runner-up," and "third-place" rang out endlessly. Looking around, people were everywhere—swarming the streets, climbing the trees, packed into the nearby teahouses and taverns, and even perched on the rooftops. The entire town had turned out for the spectacle. Flowers and silk handkerchiefs rained down like a downpour. The cheers were thunderous, and sleeves fluttered in the wind.
Sitting upright on the horse and witnessing these scenes instantly filled one’s heart with boundless pride and enthusiasm. This was truly the realization of the verse: Riding swift on the crest of success in the spring breeze, taking in all the blossoms of Chang’an in a single day.
Shifting his gaze, Zhao Jing suddenly noticed a smiling, beautiful face behind the wide-open doors of a second-floor teahouse to his front right. He widened his eyes for a closer look and realized it was indeed the people from the Xu Mansion. Wanqing was surrounded by a group of female relatives and elders. Sitting right by the window, she held a vibrantly blooming peony flower in her fingers.
Changsi and Chang Nian urged her in her ear, "Wanqing, quickly throw it to Zhao Jing! Hurry, he’s coming over right now!"
"Throw it quickly, Wanqing! I see so many young girls throwing handkerchiefs and sachets at him. Throw your peony flower so we can quickly claim ownership."
Perhaps spurred on by their coaxing, or perhaps simply from a tremor in her hand, the peony flower actually slipped from Chen Wanqing’s fingers. A gust of wind blew past. The peony flower, which was about to fall to the ground, was swept up by the strong breeze. It made a turn in the air and drifted toward the procession parading through the street, landing perfectly in the palm of Zhao Jing’s hand.
The crowd around them erupted into a commotion. Twirling the peony in his fingers, Zhao Jing looked at Chen Wanqing behind the window lattice. He raised an eyebrow slightly, revealing his first truly relaxed smile in days.